A little different post. Usually, we discuss the differences between Japanese/Okinawan, or Shorin/Shurei (sp?), or Traditional/nontraditional, or good/bad, or hard/soft. I'd like to explore the idea that there are really two schools of karate and they depend on the practicioner: good person karate and bad person karate.

If you think about it...karate is karate. It involves gruesome techniques...and can be quite...dirty...in it's applications. The only real difference...is the person.

I think part of that is true and hopefully good technique coupled with outstanding charcter happen to coincide. Unfortunately, the character part is the hardest to discern and may not be shown until some time later.

Technique, you can pretty well see right off the top. But I don't know...I can probably deal with an honest, irritating personality that has good skills than a person who is very kind and warm, but is still a crappy technician.

Now, I might want my kids to learn manners from the guy who is sweet and nice, but I would rather them get technical training from the individual who knows how to use those skills.

Also, depends on the rank of a-hole any individual rates on my scale. At a certain point, despite technique....a person is not worth hanging around if they are that much of a goof-up.

Sure...many are willing to say they have to 'take the good with the bad'. Personal gain, self-interest, 'optimizing strategies'...we find ways to justify training in less than perfect situations. But down the road? To be known as someone who trained under a person of poor character...it does count.

Quote:At a certain point, despite technique....a person is not worth hanging around if they are that much of a goof-up

Yes...but this isn't a discussion of rationalizing training with 'good technicians with jerky personalities'. I mean...you learn so much technique...and then it becomes personal committment (to strength training, to increase performance, etc.).

Ah, I understand now. The Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies...style of karate.

I guess it all depends...but you're right, one shouldn't be involved with those whom show a blatant disregard for the civilities of life. On the other hand, people are people, and some martial artists are bad apples. I understand your point. A bad apple will ruin the whole barrel full.